Introduction

Fun fact: the largest organ of your body is your skin! And, with skin cancer being one of the most common types of cancer, you cannot afford to take any chances. Choosing a strong sunscreen is crucial in keeping those harmful UV rays at bay. With the market being so saturated with different kinds of sunscreens, it can be a little confusing when you’re walking down the skin care aisle and trying to select one that works for you. But worry not, we’re here to help! There are two main kinds of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. We’ll dive into why you should choose a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and why you should avoid chemical sunscreens. So let’s get into it and find a sunscreen that keeps your skin healthy and you looking and feeling great.

What is a mineral sunscreen?

A mineral sunscreen refers to a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which naturally protect you from the sun. The combination of these minerals forms an incredibly thin, physical shield on your skin that deflects the sun’s harmful UV rays. Benefits of mineral sunscreen A mineral sunscreen not only protects your skin but it can actually work a few wonders for it! Check them out:

Waiting? Not for a mineral sunscreen

A mineral sunscreen acts as a reflective barrier to the sun’s rays. So, it protects your skin as soon as you apply it! Chemical sunscreens require you to wait for up to 30 minutes for them to be effective as they have to absorb into your skin.

Great for your skin

Zinc oxide is widely used in many skin care products, it’s amazing for your skin! It has an antibacterial action and is used as a building block for skin repair. But that’s not all, it gives you both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays harm the upper layers of your skin and give you sunburn while UVB rays cause premature ageing, wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer.

Less risk for your health

Your skin absorbs almost everything that you put on it, including chemical sunscreens. However, the ingredients inside those chemical sunscreens are linked to health concerns. For example, oxybenzone has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage. Mineral sunscreens contain botanical ingredients and are virtually harmless to use. They also contain ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. They are less irritating for sensitive skin and are more suitable for babies and are less likely to provoke a reaction.

The beach loves your sunscreen too!

A day at the beach is fun for everyone. But not if you’ve applied a chemical sunscreen. The active ingredients inside chemical sunscreens have been shown to be harmful to coral reefs. Even aquatic life is affected by these ingredients. Mineral sunscreens contain natural ingredients which are safe for the environment so you can take a dip in peace!

Difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens

There are many differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens have synthetic ingredients that have been linked to health concerns. They need to be absorbed by the skin and take up to 30 minutes to be effective. Chemical sunscreens are also not good for the environment as they can affect the fauna in the oceans as well as corals and plant life. And, they only protect you from harmful UVB rays and therefore do not have a wider spectrum of protection. Chemical sunscreens are also more likely to irritate sensitive skin and worsen skin conditions. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens contain natural ingredients which are safe for your skin and the environment. They work immediately to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, offering a wider range of protection. As they are mostly made up of natural ingredients, they are less likely to irritate your skin and are known to be beneficial to it!

What’s inside a mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use UV filters that sit on top of your skin and reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays. The most common ingredients mineral sunscreens use are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Some mineral sunscreens contain natural plant extracts that are rich in antioxidants which help prevent premature ageing. Plant oils and butters like shea, olive oil and cocoa butter contain vitamins that are great for your skin too.

Conclusion

Sunscreens are your best defence against the sun’s harmful rays, thereby protecting you from premature ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer. Mineral sunscreens protect both UVA and UVB sunscreens while being great for your skin. So the next time you’re stepping out into the sun, make sure you layer on some mineral sunscreen!